Just an hour north of Auckland, though seeming like a world away, is the Matakana coast. Once the 'fruit bowl of Auckland' - the region has undergone a creative transformation - its landscape now home to thriving wineries, artists' enclaves and unique cottage industries.

From Bohemian Puhoi to the sweeping white sands of Pakiri Beach, our journey takes us through gentle river valleys and along stunning coastline.

If you'd like to spend a day discovering the area's iconic flora & fauna, rich colonial history and pristine marine environment... then this tour is most definitely for you.

Northbound, we pass through the North Shore's east coast bays - and leave the city in our rearview mirrors. The scenery becomes increasingly pastoral, as houses yield to farmlets, country villages and national parks.

We soon leave State Highway 1 and follow a meandering river valley to the tiny hamlet of Puhoi (Maori for Spring Water ) . Colonised in 1863 by settlers from what is now the Czech Republic, Puhoi has retained its cosily Bohemian atmosphere and some of New Zealand's most beautiful and significant settler buildings. These include the iconic Puhoi pub, and what may be the world's smallest library!

Just beyond Puhoi we visit a stand of regenerating native bush. Following an easy boardwalk - guarded by two huge Kauri trees, each eight centuries old - experience the sights, sounds and scent of our forests, as they were before logging took its toll. While standing among New Zealand's famous trees and plants (like the silver fern, our familiar Kiwi sporting emblem) your guide will educate you in their uses by past generations of European and Maori.

Emerging refreshed from our bush walk we find the excellent Warkworth Museum, where local history has been carefully preserved and faithfully recreated. Exhibits include a 'whim' used to haul logs out of the bush, Warkworth's original gaol house, and huts inhabited by US servicemen during WWII.

Next stop is Warkworth, with a rich heritage evident in its buildings and historical sites. The heart of this pretty town is undoubtedly the Mahurangi River. Once a lifeline - its steamboats and scows plying the coast and providing a vital link with Auckland - it is now a tranquil and picturesque waterway. Warkworth's charming cafes, shops and character also make it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch.

From Warkworth we head towards the coast, passing well-established vineyards: evidence of the region's emergence as a major wine producer. At the picturesque seaside town of Leigh we turn off for the Goat Island Marine Reserve.

More famously known as 'Goat Island', the Cape Rodney to Okakari Point marine reserve was created in 1975. Its role in scientific research and 'no-take' restrictions have allowed many species to recover and flourish. A variety of marine life is regularly spotted at Goat Island, including dolphins, orca, whales and even sharks!

To witness this abundance at close quarters, a trip in a glass-bottomed boat is included. Get ready to encounter snapper, blue maomao, parore, red moki, goatfish, leatherjackets, spotties, marblefish, eagle rays and stingrays. You may choose to relax on the sandy beach or investigate the rock-pools for smaller species.

Later, we stop to enjoy the golden afternoon light, either in Matakana village or at the Matakana Country Park - depending on the season. You'll have time to enjoy afternoon tea or local wine (cost not included), and browse original, locally made arts and crafts.

The homeward stretch is an easy hour back to downtown Auckland, where we return you to your pick-up point, and say our goodbyes.